Stevie‘s review of Rough Terrain (Out of Uniform, Book 7) by Annabeth Albert
Contemporary Gay and Bisexual Military Romance published by Carina Press 14 Jan 19
I’ve been a great fan of the Out of Uniform series, and I’m sorry to see it coming to an end, even as I’m eagerly anticipating what the next bunch of books might hold in store for us. With most of the crowd paired off, it’s really only Rooster, who’d much prefer to be called by either one of his given names, Renzo Bianci, who’s in need of a lasting romance. Fortunately he has a fan in the form of Canaan Finley, a nursing student and part-time worker in the local Smoothie Palace, and a chance remark from one of the other guys might just be the prompt Canaan needs to finally make contact beyond menu choices and daily specials.
Having admired Renzo both on his visits to the shop and via the online fitness videos Renzo posts, Canaan is intrigued enough by the news that his favourite SEAL took a male date to a recent wedding to drop hints that he might be up for more personal interaction once his shift ends. Come the appointed time, the pair set off on a journey round Canaan’s local haunts and do indeed get to know each other better. They soon discover that Renzo is a fan of the indie punk band Canaan used to drum for, who are now on the verge of becoming much more well known. Canaan is still in touch with his old bandmates and has been invited to join them on a camping trip – bringing a plus-one with him. With no actual boyfriend, and feeling left out that all the others are paired off, including his ex, Canaan asks Renzo to accompany him and pretend to be his partner.
Initially reluctant, Renzo eventually comes around to the idea, and he and Canaan head across the country to meet up with the others. It soon transpires that Canaan’s ex is a total jerk who dumped Canaan for the band’s stand-in drummer while Canaan’s grandmother was terminally ill, but is still not particularly happy to see him with Renzo. The rest of the band are cool, though, and they’re soon off hiking in the Grand Canyon. The weather turns on them, just as Canaan and Renzo find themselves in between the two main groups that their party has split into, and they have to climb up a rock face to avoid the flash flood that ensues. Stuck on a ledge, not knowing whether either group has made it to safety, Renzo has to draw on his training to keep Canaan calm and make sure they both get rescued safely once the storm’s over.
Although their adventure speeds the bonding process, life back home doesn’t run smoothly for either of the guys. Renzo has been planning to transfer back to where his family live for quite some time, while Canaan wants to stay where he is, even after graduation, due to his own family ties. When Renzo receives a promotion and his request looks like it’s being granted, it seems that distance may break them up before they’ve had much of a chance at being together, but, in the end, their respective relatives – and a bit of negotiation – provide a solution.
This was a fitting end to a very enjoyable series. I loved Canaan’s granddad in particular out of all the secondary characters, and the various band members all had memorable personalities too. I’m sad that we won’t see any more of these guys in all probability, but I’m looking forward to meeting a new group of characters in a different location later in the year.
Grade: B
Summary:
The camping trip from hell may be the first stop on the road to happily-ever-after.
Navy SEAL Renzo Bianchi has a soft spot for Canaan Finley, and not only because the man makes a mean smoothie. He’s the first guy to get Renzo’s motor revving in a long time. But when he agrees to Canaan’s insane charade—one all-access fake boyfriend, coming right up—he never expects more than a fling.
Creating a hot Italian SEAL boyfriend to save face seemed like a good idea…until his friends called Canaan’s bluff. Now he’s setting off into the woods with the very man who inspired his deception, and Canaan is not the outdoorsy type. The sparks are already flying when a flash flood separates them from their group, leaving Renzo and Canaan very much trapped…very much alone in the wilderness.
Working together to come up with a plan for survival is sexier than either of them expects. But back in the real world, being a couple is bringing its own set of hazards…
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
